TEMPORAL-RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE UTILITY SECTOR AND THE USE OF ENERGY IN IT

Abstract

This article examines the problems associated with the formation and development of the utility sector in individual countries, as well as the use of energy in this sector. According to the temporal retrospective analysis, the authors have provided recommendations for ensuring the sustainable development of the utility sector in a variety of countries by reducing energy intensity and energy consumption, introducing green technologies, and taking into account the structure of the utility sector’s energy consumption. The article explores the dynamics of electricity production for 2012-2021 in China, the United Kingdom, the United States, and some European countries, as well as differences in the degree of electricity independence among them. These differences are reflected in the division of countries into electricity-sufficient and electricity-deficient countries, with a predominance of the latter. A study of the dynamics of energy consumption from 2012 to 2021 has been presented by the authors in order to estimate the level of fuel consumption per unit of the gross domestic product produced by the country. According to the analysis performed, the dynamic of electricity price indexes for Germany, Great Britain, Italy, and France for 2019-2021 indicates that the high cost of energy threatens both the availability of basic energy requirements for the utility sector and the competitiveness of the entire industry. Excessive energy production costs automatically increase the prices of goods and services for all utility consumers. Analysis of the dynamics of household electricity use for 2012-2021 has revealed trends towards diversification and an increase in the share of alternative energy sources in the total volume of energy consumption. The dynamics of the share of renewable energy sources in the total electricity production analyzed by the authors indicate that the provision of energy services and energy consumption should be more efficient and energy-saving. A statement of the problem of utility sector use and its connection with important scientific or practical tasks has been proposed in the article. The utility sector depends significantly on the political context and the public trust factor of society. It represents an important part of the economy and is characterized by the presence of multilateral connections with other spheres of the social economy. In many countries, the utility sector is represented by public services. Considering this, the authors have noted that it must be regulated quite strictly. Clearly defined property rights are a significant factor influencing the process of reforming the utility sector. The article stresses that one of the characteristics of the utility sector is its attachment to individual use by end users and its reliance on electricity. In addition, the authors have emphasized that scarcity of resources, relevant geopolitics, and the economy of a particular country, as well as agreements on the supply of gas, oil, and coal influence the politics of the electricity market globally